Devon and Cornwall Police has confirmed that no criminal matters will be pursued following a modern slavery investigation at a farm near Helston.

Specialist officers executed a warrant at Bosahan Farm, which is a flower picking farm near Manaccan, Helston, on Thursday, February 8, on the suspicion that modern slavery offences were taking place against migrant workers.

Following the warrant in February, 14 people chose to leave the farm with partnership support, of which 13 have used the services available to them to either find alternative employment or to return to their home country. However, others demonstrated outside Camborne Police Station defending their bosses and calling for their release amid the allegations.

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Bosahan Farm raid

A spokesman said: “Devon and Cornwall Police appreciate the disruption this policing operation has caused to the wider farming, agricultural and migrant worker community. However, it is important to recognise that police had to ensure that the response to serious allegations of modern slavery were followed up and responded to with the gravity this under-reported crime deserved.

Daffodils outside the office at Bosahan Farm, which was raided by police amid concerns of modern slavery (Image: Greg Martin)

“This means ensuring that we had the ability to safeguard all migrant workers at the farm in-case they were victims that needed our support. Around 160 migrant workers at the farm had their welfare safeguarded by Cornwall Council with support from The Salvation Army and the British Red Cross during the initial visit. The sheer number of workers at the farm meant it wasn’t possible for this policing operation to be undertaken in a less intrusive and publicly visible manner.

Ochea Adrian, one of the migrant workers at Bosahan Farm, which was raided by police amid concerns of modern slavery (Image: Greg Martin)

“Whilst this investigation has been taking place over the past five months, the farm business was not prevented from operating.

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“Modern slavery is real, it is serious and it ruins lives. Police will always act on reports of modern slavery and will continue to combat this crime in the region.”

Burdulea Marian, one of the many migrant workers at Bosahan Farm, which was raided by police amid concerns of modern slavery (Image: Greg Martin)

Officers have advised people to visit the modern slavery website if they wish to know how to spot the signs of modern slavery and, if they have the slightest suspicion that there is a crime happening in their area.

The national modern slavery helpline can be contacted on 0800 0121 700

A migrant worker logs onto the wifi at Bosahan Farm, which was raided by police amid concerns of modern slavery (Image: Greg Martin)

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"My son is Wolfe and he was arrested. He has been released. Ask anyone around here about us and they will tell you we are good people.

"The police took everything we need to work. This is all libelous. The National Farmers Union are looking into legal proceedings.

"My husband was also arrested, he is almost 70 years old and diabetic. I'm not happy about how he has been treated."

(Image: SWNS)

Workers on the farm are paid 8p per bunch of flowers picked, and the amount each worker earns depends on their physical ability and the weather conditions. The workers all live on site, where there is also a games room, a recreation room, and they have access to the internet.

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